Rooney ready to face Egypt

Wayne Rooney has confirmed his knee injury is not serious and he should start for England against Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday.

Last Updated: 02/03/10 10:28am

Wayne Rooney has confirmed his knee injury is not serious and he should start for England on Wednesday.

The Three Lions play their first game of World Cup year against Egypt at Wembley.

Rooney did not start Sunday's Carling Cup final and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed afterwards it was because of a concern over his prized asset.

But Rooney, who came off the bench to score the winner against Aston Villa on Sunday, has confirmed he will be back in training on Tuesday and ready to play the following day.

"I went for a scan today and it is just a bit of bruising," he said on Sky Sports News.

"I had a rest today but I should train tomorrow and hopefully play Wednesday.

"I always want to play for my country and I will be involved and should be fit to play."

Rooney was quickly quizzed about John Terry's place in the England squad, with Wayne Bridge having quit international football after allegations of an affair between the deposed captain and the left-back's ex-girlfriend.

But the United striker insists that the media storm around Terry has not affected the England squad, or his stature within it.

"John Terry is a leader for our team and although he hasn't got the armband he is still a great player and a great leader," said Rooney.

"There has been no difference since we met up.

"In the last three years he has been named in the world XI, there are no worries about his form, that is for sure."

No boos

Rooney, named England fans' Player of the Year, hopes the Wembley crowd will not react badly to Terry.

"I would hope they are the same as normal, as I would expect and hope," he said.

"I have been in the team when a few players are booed and it is not nice and doesn't send the right message. I hope he gets a good reception."

Rooney insists that people must respect Bridge's decision to quit England.

"That is none of my business and not for me to talk about," he stressed.

"Wayne Bridge is a fantastic player and with Ashley Cole injured I am sure he would have been the one (to be selected), and it is unfortunate but it is his decision and you have to respect that."

Rooney was also asked about his former United team-mate Ryan Shawcross, who has been called up to the England squad for the first time.

The defender's call-up has been overshadowed by the incident which saw Aaron Ramsey suffer a badly broken leg in Shawcross challenge during Arsenal's win at Stoke on Saturday.

Shawcross was visibly upset over the incident, for which he received a red card, but Rooney thinks he will cope with the added pressure.

Upset

"I think he is OK, you could see he was upset after the game," he said.

"I was with Ryan at United for a couple of years and he is not that sort of player, we have welcomed him into the squad and I am sure he is hoping to play on Wednesday.

"It is unfortunate and he has to move on now, he is in the squad at a young age and it is important for him to play and if he does I am sure he will do well."

It is the first time England have got together since their defeat to Brazil in Doha late last year, and Rooney was happy to be back in the international fold.

"It is good to be back, we were beaten by Brazil last time and it is nice to get back and hopefully return to winning ways," he said.

"It is a big game for us to get back together as a squad and it is a big game, which we want to win.

"Egypt are a strong team and difficult to play against and hopefully we can get a good result.

"They have won the African Cup of Nations the last three times and we have to try and prepare for the World Cup. This is probably the first step and I am sure if the manager has ideas this will be the first chance to use them."

Rooney was also asked about the fact Fabio Capello is not keen for England's WAGS (wives and girlfriends of the players) to be present in South Africa, like they were previously in Germany under Sven Goran Eriksson.

"At the end of the day if they want to come and support their husbands there is nothing stopping them," said Rooney, whose wife Coleen will not be present after recently giving birth to their first child.

"Last time they were all together and I am sure it won't be like that, but I am sure if they want to come and watch, they can."